Assets and financial position

The balance sheet total decreased by 1.1 million euros to 64.9 million euros (previous year: 66.0 million euros). 

On the assets side, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment remained virtually unchanged. Investments of 2.7 million euros only slightly exceeded depreciation and amortisation of 2.6 million euros. Financial assets declined slightly due to disposals of securities investments and amounted to 26.5 million euros as of the reporting date (previous year: 27.7 million euros).

The total amount invested (excluding financial assets) was 3.1 million euros lower than in the previous year. While the focus of investments in the previous year was still on building equipment and building technology, investments in this area declined significantly in the past financial year. In addition to replacement investments in operating and office equipment, major investments were made in software and software licences. 

In financial assets, the acquisition of additional shares in Alliance News Ltd., London, to the amount of 0.2 million euro, is noted. 

Current assets remained at the previous year’s level on balance. A 2.4 million euros decrease in trade receivables was offset by an increase in bank deposits (+1.7 million euros) and other assets of 0.6 million euros.

On the liabilities side, the decline in liabilities to affiliated companies had a particular impact at 2.9 million euros. Equity changed by 1.4 million euros in line with the net profit for the year. The equity ratio increased to 73.5% as of the balance sheet reporting date (previous year: 70.2%). 

With liquid assets of 4.5 million euros (previous year: 2.8 million euros), the company continues to have a solid financial basis. Long-term fixed assets are fully covered by equity.

For the 2024 financial year, cash flow from operating activities (including income from profit transfers and investments) amounted to 3.0 million euros (previous year: 5.5 million euros). 

Overall, the executive board considers the company’s economic situation to be good.

4. Financial performance indicators

The internal management system has been aligned with our corporate strategy and appropriate performance indicators have been defined. The aim is to achieve a sustainable increase in profitability and, as a result, an increase in the value of the company. The most important performance indicators derived from this are the turnover and net profit for the year.